2002 Pontiac Montana AWD STD from North America

Summary:

Would buy another new one, if they still made them!

Faults:

Intake manifold gasket needed replaced at 100k.

General Comments:

We have 120,000+ miles on the car. I use Mobil 1 in it, and, change the oil regularly (3000 miles). Have had NO appreciable problems w/it! (Except for the NORMAL wear and tear that you would expect from a vehicle w/120k+ miles.

I ALSO own a 2003 Hyundai Elantra (which I JUST love). It's like a tank! Have hit 4 deer with it so far, and, have driven it away EVERY time (usually $2000 damange per).

The ONLY thing that bothers me about the Elantra, is that the FULL SIZED Montana gets WAY BETTER gas mileage than the Elantra.

2002 Pontiac Montana Extended 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Comfortable, Reliable, and Economical

Faults:

Had to have A/C condenser replaced at 105,000, and a battery at 110,000.

General Comments:

Maybe I've been lucky after reading the other reviews. This has been a solid and dependable vehicle for me. I've maintained it properly and have been very pleased with the performance, gas mileage and comfort. I think the 3800 engine would have helped, the 3400 doesn't have the torque for going up hills. Overall I've put on around 80,000 miles with good results so far.

2002 Pontiac Montana van from North America

Summary:

Very low - do not invest in a GM, or at least stay away from Pontiac - very poor quality vehicle

Faults:

Purchased van Fall 2003; first air conditioner condenser replaced in Summer, 05 when a.c. failed (only 2nd summer in van - 52,000 miles). I live in northern Ohio and thought this was too early given the limited use the a.c. had seen, but the dealer said it was out of warranty and there was nothing they could do. This summer, 2007, the a.c. began warming up again and I assumed it merely needed to be recharged. Wrong!... needs another new condenser (86,000 miles) - estimate $838.00! Including the first condenser which came with the van brand new, this will be the van's third condenser in four years. Also, the gaskets were leaking oil. This week I had to pay $848.00 to have that repaired. I'm also looking at a new gas sending unit for at least $ 648.00. Initially, the dealer assured me it was not related to a minor rear end collision (I did not want the other driver paying for it if it wasn't). Pontiac said the GM shop told them it may be!!! Pontiac would not concede that 3 a.c. condensers in 4 years was unreasonable and kept quoting warranty limits to me. I talked to two different customer reps at Pontiac. They refused to let me talk with anyone else. It has been a nightmare, both in terms of cost and dealing with Pontiac. A local dealer has said he would discuss my condenser with their district manager, but could make no promises. I'm awaiting his answer. If they tell me they don't think this represents an unusual repair incidence, I don't know where I'll turn next.

General Comments:

"Money Pit" on wheels. Very low quality vehicle and Pontiac shows a shocking level of indifference to the problems.